New training facility in Welshpool paves way for successful employment

In a new initiative to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the warehousing and logistics sector, Skill Hire, part of the IntoWork Group, has opened a dedicated training facility in Welshpool, Western Australia.

The hybrid practical and classroom environment is designed to replicate real-world employment conditions, offering participants a unique and comprehensive training experience. The programs are tailored to equip individuals with both the practical and theoretical skills necessary to excel in the industry.

Skill Hire’s latest pre-employment program in Warehouse Training, was recently delivered to Workskill Australia participants, achieving a 100 per cent attendance rate. Six participants have already secured full-time employment, demonstrating the program’s immediate impact.

The program introduced participants to general operational pick and pack practices and techniques used in warehouse environments, covering everything from packing, tagging, and labelling to loading and storing parcels. In just five days, participants learned the basics of handling a stacker forklift and were given the opportunity to apply their skills with potential employment opportunities with major local distribution centres upon completing the course.

Riette Hattingh, Industry Coordinator at Workskill Australia, expressed her enthusiasm about the program’s success: “Fourteen participants attended the entire week, showing a strong commitment to their training. On the final day, these participants were taken for interviews, and six of them started their new jobs the following Monday.”

“Working with Skill Hire has been a fantastic experience. The communication was excellent, and the training program was highly positive. It worked really well and provided the skills we were hoping for.”

The warehousing and logistics sector was identified as a priority area for skills development and training due to the significant number of available positions. The Australian freight and logistics market is projected to grow to $122.7 billion by 2030, highlighting the sector’s potential for job creation and economic growth.

Patrick Fowler, Business Development Manager at FindStaff, highlighted the importance of the program: “We run various programs for different industries, and we know there are significant positions available in warehousing and other sectors. Many of our customers are interested in upskilling and working in this environment, making it a perfect match.

“A five-day program in various industries with significant recruitment needs, such as call centres, warehousing, and potentially retail and hospitality in the future, equips participants with skills they can use immediately in a job.”

Building on the success of the first intake, Workskill Australia and Skill Hire are planning a female-specific program for the next intake, set to begin at the end of this month. This initiative aims to support women from diverse backgrounds, including generalists and younger cohorts, in securing employment in the warehousing and logistics sector.

Ben Dahlstrom, CEO of Skill Hire, said the company is incredibly excited about the opening of its new training facility, “This facility is a game-changer for the local community, providing a platform for individuals to gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workforce. The campus is not limited to warehousing and logistics; it also includes an office space with a live call centre, allowing for the simulation of various employment environments,” he said.

“We are committed to supporting the growth of the warehousing and logistics sector in Western Australia, and we believe this facility will play a crucial role in meeting the industry’s needs and fostering a skilled workforce.”